Supporting science isn't just good policy — it's a patriotic duty. As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, a Forbes op-ed reminds us that curiosity, evidence, and discovery have been central to the American experiment since the nation's founding. The brief but potent piece argues that in an era of polarized debates over climate change, public health, and technology, returning to a science-first mindset is an act of national loyalty.
From Benjamin Franklin's kite experiment to the Manhattan Project and NASA's moon landing, the United States has repeatedly bet big on research and innovation. That bet paid off: American scientists have won the highest number of Nobel Prizes, and U.S.-funded research laid the groundwork for the internet, GPS, and mRNA vaccines. Yet the share of federal R&D spending as a percentage of GDP has been cut nearly in half since the 1970s, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The op-ed's publication on July 12, 2026, comes just weeks before the nation's official 250th anniversary on July 4. It taps into a growing movement among educators, policymakers, and civic groups who argue that rebuilding public trust in science is essential for democracy. The piece frames science as a continuation of the Enlightenment ideals that shaped the Declaration of Independence — a commitment to reason over dogma.
Named persons and organisations appear in the broader context: Thomas Jefferson, who championed scientific exploration as president; the National Institutes of Health, which saw its budget squeezed in recent years; and groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists that track political interference in research. The op-ed itself was published by Forbes contributor Brian Castrucci, a public health advocate who previously led the de Beaumont Foundation.
The analysis goes beyond nostalgia: when anti-science rhetoric undermines vaccine uptake or climate action, it weakens national resilience. Supporting science means funding basic research, protecting scientists from political pressure, and ensuring evidence guides regulation. Experts quoted in recent debates note that countries like China are rapidly increasing their R&D investment, threatening America's competitive edge.
Looking ahead, the 250th anniversary could become a rallying point for a renewed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) agenda. Congress is considering a bill to boost NIH funding by 15% over five years; early 2027 will test whether patriotic rhetoric translates into budget allocations. For citizens, the message is clear: advocating for science at the ballot box and in local communities is how to honor the founders' vision of a nation built on discovery.
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Supporting Science Is An Act Of Patriotism
As America turns 250, a look at why curiosity, evidence and discovery have always been at the heart of the American experiment.
Brian Castrucci, Contributor
Forbes
3 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- America's 250th anniversary in 2026 provides a platform to reframe science funding as a patriotic act, with federal R&D spending as a share of GDP falling from 1.2% in 1970 to 0.6% by 2023.
- Historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson embedded scientific inquiry into the nation's DNA; Jefferson's 'Notes on the State of Virginia' is considered an early work of American science.
- The Forbes op-ed by Brian Castrucci argues that supporting science is an act of patriotism, directly tying evidence-based policy to the principles of the American Revolution.
- U.S. researchers have won the most Nobel Prizes globally — 409 as of 2026 — but China surpassed the U.S. in total annual research publications in 2022.
- A proposed 15% increase in NIH funding over five years is under congressional debate, with a potential vote in early 2027 determining the trajectory of biomedical research.
""As America turns 250, a look at why curiosity, evidence and discovery have always been at the heart of the American experiment." — Brian Castrucci, Forbes"
Frequently Asked Questions
Supporting science is patriotic because it upholds the Enlightenment values of reason and evidence that the American founders championed. It strengthens national security, economic competitiveness, and public health, which are core to the nation's well-being.
Scientific inquiry was central to the American Revolution. Figures like Benjamin Franklin conducted groundbreaking experiments, while Thomas Jefferson used scientific reasoning to argue for independence. The early republic invested in exploration and education as national priorities.
Citizens can support science by advocating for increased government funding for R&D, voting for evidence-based policies, trusting expert consensus on issues like climate change, and encouraging STEM education in schools. Engaging with science communication and opposing censorship of research are also key actions.
Major achievements include the Manhattan Project, the Apollo moon landing, the development of the internet and GPS, the Human Genome Project, and the rapid creation of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The U.S. has the highest number of Nobel laureates of any country.
Science funding drives innovations in cybersecurity, defense technology, and public health preparedness. A strong research base keeps the U.S. ahead of adversaries in critical areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
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Original source
www.forbes.com
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